The City of Johannesburg needs R41m to fix three Rea Vaya bus stations that have not been operating for four years.
The city has a total of 48 Rea Vaya stations.
Rea Vaya spokesperson Benny Makgoga said the stations in Westbury, Bosmont and Noordgesig have not been operating as a result of damage caused during service delivery protests related to electricity cuts.
The station in Westbury has not been operating for four years whereas the ones in Bosmont and Noordgesig have been closed for three years and 10 months, respectively.
Makgoga said the average cost of the damages is estimated at R41m.
Makgoga said the city has submitted its insurance claim to its insurers but he could not determine how long it will take the metro to start its repair work.
''Insurance has to settle the damages claim to enable reconstruction or repairs to the stations since the city cannot budget twice for an asset that was reported to have been completed and capitalised. Repair work will commence once a contractor is appointed through the city’s supply chain management processes have been concluded,’’ said Makgoga.
He said the station known as Boomtown in Orlando East, Soweto, is also not operating but there is an alternative station people in that area can use.
''The problem is the electricity box and cables that were removed during protests and still need to be replaced by Eskom. However, Boomtown passengers are using the closest station which is Orlando Police Rea Vaya station,’’ said Makgoga.
He urged residents not to vandalise public property.
''Rea Vaya condemns vandalism of bus stations during protests and encourage communities to engage with the City of Joburg for amicable solutions to service delivery problems,’’ said Makgoga.
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